Mysterious Circus responds to animal abuse allegations regarding elephant Okha

TEMPLE, Texas — Traveling circus Mysterious Circus is now in Waco and is addressing concerns regarding the treatment of their elephant, Okha, following recent social media posts that are alleging animal abuse.

On Monday, a post in the What's Up WACO Facebook group criticized Okha's temporary enclosure. The post has already generated over 1,000 reactions and shares, as well as over 700 comments.

"It's been since last week and I see her daily standing in the same spot," Creator of the post Kristina Cox explained. "It's sad, and then she's made to perform."

Okha is believed to be 52 years old.

A petition made for Okha a few years ago has over 52 thousand supporters. The petition states that Okha has lived in isolation for the last several years, with no opportunity to interact or engage with other elephants. It adds that hundreds of venues have stepped up and banned or restricted animal acts, and it's time Mysterious Circus did the same.

"After doing some research, it is a sign of distress in an elephant for them to sway back and forth like that," Cox added. "Seeing her in that condition just spoke to my heart."

In response to the viral social media post, the Mysterious Circus said in a statement, "We want to assure the public she is in the best hands possible and is always being taken care of."

"At the Mysterious Circus, Okha has become like family to everyone who works here and strive to make Okha our number one priority," the statement continued. "We would also like to add Okha has passed her USDA inspections and is under the best care possible."

Another concerned person said people should think twice about supporting circuses that utilized live animals.

"I just believe that's not the best way the elephant should be kept captive," Camille Wilder shared. "Elephants should have room to move, have fresh water, diversity in what they're eating and being able to roam. Clearly this elephant is not able to do any of those things."

The Mysterious Circus is set to perform in Waco from Thursday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 17.

A group of people in Waco shared how they were planning a protest outside of the circus Thursday, Nov. 14.

Stay with 6 News as this story develops.